G'day Karl and welcome. I'm very much looking forward to reading the blog of your ride—I just read the one about the BLue Ridge Parkway.
My CB1100 is without screen or fairing and mostly I find it very comfortable and don't suffer too much from buffeting. Except ... I do notice riding in the freeway with lots of traffic that there are occasional unpleasant buffets and gusts. My theory—and it is no more than that—is that traffic creates turbulence which affects motorcyclists. I therefore try not to ride too much on freeways with traffic.
Now, back to the blog.
I also went from a Bonnieville T100 to a 14 Delux and agree that there is no comparison between the two bikes. The CB wins hands down. On my CB 100 I have added a Chic Design Comet 2 Fairing with the smoked windshield and have no issues with any buffing at various speeds. Good luck with the new bike.
First off welcome to the forum and congrats on obtaining a CB 1100 dlx. Rare and beautiful bird.
Secondly as moderator I have read every post on this forum since day , and I don't recall anyone complaining about the issue you describe.
thirdly I have ridden 22,500 miles on CB 1100's..8500 on a 13 and 14,500 so far on a 14 dlx including at least 4 multi day-multi state trips with many miles up to 80 mph and have felt nothing like you describe. Honestly when I was reading your description I thought," there is something wrong with that bike". Buffeting is one thing, throwing you side to side with fear of losing control is way beyond buffeting. Unless you were behind semis throwing off dirty air, something is not right. This motorcycle is rock steady at any speed. First off, you bought used, are you sure it wasn't wrecked? If not wrecked, check tire pressure 36 f 42 R. Check rear wheel alignment. If it has a windscreen, remove iit and test it again. Are the rear shocks set on the same setting? How about the front forks? You SHOULD NOT be experiencing that kind of reaction from this bike.
This may sound weird, but are you wearing a jacket? One that's too big, or not fastened properly or lets air in and has trouble exiting will cause you be thrown around.
I've test ridden two Bonnies, a T100 (not impressed) and a friends cheaper model with after market mods like the exhaust - much better!
Wind; Naked I have not experienced your problem, but when I bought the Puig windscreen (very small thing) the few times I rode it I got bad buffeting, really nasty stuff so I took her off and bought a larger windscreen (forget the model, got it off a member here) and it was a huge difference. Much better.
Then I got a MRA screen for the Griso and loved it so much I bought mounts for the CB so I can swap. The second screen was installed on my XR650L; I'm really enjoying the benefits of that screen on the XR.
Well it became a wee bit of a pain to swap screen so I put the Puig back on a couple months ago and have yet to experience the nastiness from the first install. Very odd.
Well Phoenix has turned into a hel* hole for the summer so riding has been few and far between with only a rally ride in August scheduled - on the Guzzi.
Side note; the nature of the engine vibes being what they are, for being on the open road I prefer the Moto Guzzi Griso and the XR65L (V twin and big thumper single) to the CB1100. The CB is much preferred for town riding. Go figure.
Karl, welcome, and best of luck with the beautiful new CB. Regarding your prescription for improving the windage/ comfort issue at speed, you may be going in the wrong direction. A slightly lower set of bars (like the 'Type 2' Honda OEM ones) would do more to improve highway comfort than risers and pullbacks...that's a recipe for more discomfort on the road. A naked bike at speed will never be a Gold Wing. Getting a bit tucked in, with some bend, and a lighter grip on the bars, might be the ticket.
Wind? The only wind problems I have encountered were induced by a combination of beer, beans and a full leather riding suit.
Vibration? Having grown up on British bikes, particularly vertical twins, to me the CB is as smooth as a gallon of buttermilk going through a hound dog.
Cheers
(07-15-2015, 11:19 AM)Pterodactyl_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Wind? The only wind problems I have encountered were induced by a combination of beer, beans and a full leather riding suit.
Vibration? Having grown up on British bikes, particularly vertical twins, to me the CB is as smooth as a gallon of buttermilk going through a hound dog.
Cheers
You so know how to paint a picture!
Cheers!
(07-15-2015, 11:19 AM)Pterodactyl_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Wind? The only wind problems I have encountered were induced by a combination of beer, beans and a full leather riding suit.
Vibration? Having grown up on British bikes, particularly vertical twins, to me the CB is as smooth as a gallon of buttermilk going through a hound dog.
Cheers
Well that sums it up about as good as it gets! LOL!
I have never noticed crosswind or buffeting issues; and I've ridden on the Western Washington prairie.
But then, I'm inured. I used to have a Burgman 650; with all that fairing, it was like a great big sail. Anything is an improvement.
The only exception is when getting in the dirty air behind a tractor-trailer. But that's with any cycle.